Coconino County holding event to help homeless veterans

PHOENIX — Veterans in need can get some much-needed help at Coconino County’s second Arizona StandDown event, which takes place Friday and Saturday.

Nathan Gonzalez, a Coconino County public information officer, said homeless and at-risk veterans can get their hands on a lot of needed supplies as well as help with many services.

“They’re able to get various services and surplus goods, such as clothing, and also get help with notary services, pet services, legal advice,” said Gonzales. “They can have AA meetings … dental exams, haircuts (and) showers.”

Gonzalez said the supplies and services go a long way toward helping veterans and showing them that there is support out there.

“These are the people that rose when the country came to call on them,” he said. “We’re talking about homeless veterans and at-risk ones as well who gave so much for us. And this just our way to try to make their lives a little easier.”

The Coconino County event was coordinated by District 4 County Supervisor Mandy Metzger with help from organizations such as the County Courts, Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Salvation Army and U.S. Veterans Association.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the Flagstaff Armory located at 320 N. Thorpe Road, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Post Three at 204 W. Birch Ave. in Flagstaff.